what is extruded styrofoam

Full Answer

Is Styrofoam a better insulator of heat than plastic?

Which is a better insulator styrofoam or plastic? Insulation. Styrofoam insulates much more effectively than plastic, which means your cold drinks stay colder longer and your hot drinks stay hotter. Plastic cups are not recommended for hot drinks, and they do not have the insulation properties of Styrofoam.

Is Styrofoam a good insulator?

Styrofoam is an excellent insulator. It reduces the rate of heat transfer through its surface and into its interior because it is made up of small cells with no direct paths for heat to travel through. This property explains why Styrofoam is useful for keeping ice cream cool in summer or cold drinks hot in winter.

Is Styrofoam the same thing as polystyrene?

Styrofoam is a derived term of polystyrene. As nouns the difference between styrofoam and polystyrene is that styrofoam is expanded polystyrene foam, such as is used in cups and packaging while polystyrene is (organic chemistry) a vinylic polymer of styrene, ch 2 chphenyl.

Which rigid insulation should I Choose?

Which rigid insulation should I Choose? Choose the right type of rigid foam for your needs. When choosing rigid foam insulation, you have three main options: Polyisocyanurate: Known as polyiso for short, polyisocyanurate foam has the highest R-value per inch (R-6.5 to R-6.8) of any rigid insulation.

Is extruded polystyrene the same as Styrofoam?

Styrofoam is a trademarked brand of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam, or XPS. This foam is also referred to as “Blue Board” and is used for building insulation, thermal insulation and water barriers. Styrofoam is owned and manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company.

What is extruded polystyrene used for?

XPS foam board is often used for above-grade insulation applications such as walls, ceilings, attics and roofs as well as for below-grade applications such as foundations and basements. When used above-grade, it can reduce thermal bridging and improve energy efficiency.

Are there different types of Styrofoam?

Three major types of polystyrene include polystyrene foam, regular polystyrene plastic, and polystyrene film. Amongst the different types of foam are expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS).

What is better XPS or EPS?

In general, when comparing EPS and XPS board densities, the compressive strength of XPS is greater than that of EPS. For EPS to achieve the same compressive strength as XPS, the density of the foam would need to be increased, often resulting in a greater thickness of board being required.

Is extruded polystyrene toxic?

It leaches into food and drink. and heat, a Styrofoam container's toxins (like benzene and styrene) seep into the contents. But even with cold or dry food, contact with Styrofoam is unhealthy.

Is extruded polystyrene safe?

Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) or Styrofoam, is a petroleum-based non-biodegradable foam, which the EPA and International Agency for Research on Cancer consider styrene a “possible human carcinogen” and “that such materials can have serious impacts upon human health, wildlife, and aquatic environment, and the economy.”

What is the difference between foam and Styrofoam?

Expanded Polystyrene. The major difference between Styrofoam and EPS foam blocks is that Styrofoam is made from extruded polystyrene (XPS) while EPS foam blocks are made of expanded polystyrene.

What is the difference between expanded and extruded polystyrene?

XPS is manufactured in a continuous extrusion process that produces a closed cell form of foam insulation. EPS, on the other hand, is manufactured by expanding spherical beads in a mold and then using heat and pressure to fuse the beads together. Each product has proponents claiming one out performs the other.

What is soft Styrofoam called?

Memory Foam, also known as Viscoelastic Foam, is a high-quality foam that conforms to your body shape.

Does XPS foam absorb water?

FOAMULAR® XPS products have an R-value of 5 per inch of thickness, and due to their closed cell structure they resist water absorption, maintaining a high R-value for reliable long term service.

Does EPS foam absorb water?

A: EPS is non-hygroscopic and does not readily absorb moisture from the atmosphere. Its closed-cell structure reduces the absorption and/or migration of moisture into the insulation material.

Does XPS insulation need a vapor barrier?

XPS is manufactured in both an unfaced form or with different plastic facings. However, XPS is considered a vapor retarder, not a vapor barrier....Privacy Overview.CookieDurationDescriptionYSCsessionYSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages.5 more rows•Sep 3, 2016

What's the difference between expanded and extruded polystyrene?

XPS is manufactured in a continuous extrusion process that produces a closed cell form of foam insulation. EPS, on the other hand, is manufactured by expanding spherical beads in a mold and then using heat and pressure to fuse the beads together. Each product has proponents claiming one out performs the other.

Where would you use XPS insulation?

XPS provides increased stiffness and rigidity, making it suitable for use on roofs, below grade, below slab, and other applications.

Is extruded polystyrene waterproof?

Styrofoam, as well as all kinds of rigid expanded and extruded polystyrene foam, resist water for a short period of time. However, they're not entirely waterproof, so you have to waterproof them with sealants before exposing them to continuous moisture.

Is polystyrene good soundproofing?

Polystyrene is a petroleum-based plastic that, when expanded into rigid foam panels, provides excellent sound insulation. It is often used for acoustic insulation in walls and ceilings, either alone or as well as other acoustical materials.

Where in a building or home is extruded polystyrene foam board insulation normally used?

Extruded polystyrene foam board insulation is an insulation product that is commonly used in walls, roofs and below grade applications. You can fin...

What are the r-values for extruded polystyrene foam board insulation?

XPS has an R-value of R-5 per inch. To determine how many inches of XPS you need to apply, it’s important to know the recommended R-value for your...

In what geographies can extruded polystyrene foam board insulation be used?

No matter what geography your project is located in throughout the United States, extruded polystyrene foam board insulation can be used in below g...

Can extruded polystyrene foam board insulation be used in residential or commercial construction?

Extruded polystyrene foam board insulation is a budget-friendly insulation solution that is typically utilized by contractors in both residential a...

What is styrofoam used for?

You know what styrofoam is, right? It’s the squeaky, bright white material that’s used to make insulated coffee cups, packing peanuts, toys and those coolers you grab at the last minute when you’re headed to the park or the beach. That’s all styrofoam — or so you thought.

Who makes styrofoam insulation?

Styrofoam is owned and manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company . So, just what is styrofoam made of?

What is EPS foam?

So, If It's Not Styrofoam, What Is It? The foam that you formerly knew as styrofoam is actually expanded polystyrene foam or EPS. This material is made from polystyrene, a plastic that’s often used to make clear products like food packaging or lab equipment. When polystyrene is combined with colorants, additives or other plastics, ...

Is styrofoam made of polystyrene?

That’s all styrofoam — or so you thought. Phil Plotts. We hate to break it to you, but a lot of the things that people think are made of styrofoam are actually made of polystyrene. Styrofoam is a trademarked brand of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam, or XPS. This foam is also referred to as “Blue Board” and is used for building insulation, ...

What is vapor retarder foam board?

Excellent for below grade and wall applications. A vapor retarder that can help control vapor moisture through the foam board, helping with assembly health and indoor air quality.

What is XPS foam board insulation?

Extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam board insulation is considered a mid-range rigid board insulation product, relative to cost and performance. It is used in both residential and commercial construction in any climate across the United States. It is recyclable and lightweight, and it is easy to handle and install.

What is XPS foam board?

About Extruded Polystyrene Foam Board Insulation (XPS) 1 Lightweight and easy to handle 2 Easy to install in any climate across the U.S. 3 Can be used in all types of construction 4 Excellent for below grade and wall applications 5 A vapor retarder that can help control vapor moisture through the foam board, helping with assembly health and indoor air quality.

Is foam board insulation good for a roof?

If you are in need of an easy to handle insulation product for below grade, wall and roof applications in both residential and commercial construction, extruded polystyr ene foam board insulation is a great choice for you. Its lightweight qualities provide an easy installation process that contractors enjoy. Contact your local Service Partners team to get your extruded polystyrene foam board insulation products today!

Can foam board be used on a roof?

No matter what geography your project is located in throughout the United States, extruded polystyrene foam board insulation can be used in below grade, wall and roof applications in all construction types. For a high performing, low cost insulation product to fit your roof, wall and below grade application needs, extruded polystyrene foam board insulation is a great choice.

Who makes styrofoam?

This material is light blue in color and is owned and manufactured by The Dow Chemical Company . Styrofoam is colloquially used worldwide to refer to another material that is usually white in color and made of expanded (not extruded) polystyrene foam ( EPS ).

Why is styrofoam used in roads?

Styrofoam can be used under roads and other structures to prevent soil disturbances due to freezing and thawing.

What is the color of styrofoam?

Dow also produces Styrofoam as structural insulated panels for use by florists and in craft products. Dow insulation Styrofoam has a distinctive blue color; Styrofoam for craft applications is available in white and green.

Is styrofoam a buoyant material?

Styrofoam has a variety of uses. Styrofoam is composed of 98% air, making it lightweight and buoyant.

Is styrene a carcinogen?

The EPA and International Agency for Research on Cancer reported limited evidence that styrene is carcinogenic for humans and experimental animals, meaning that there is a positive association between exposure and cancer and that causality is credible, but that other explanations cannot be confidently excluded.

Who invented foamed polystyrene?

They rediscovered a method first used by Swedish inventor Carl Georg Munters, and obtained an exclusive license to Munters's patent in the United States.

Is styrofoam a trademark?

The trademarked term is used generically although it is a different material from the extruded polystyrene used for Styrofoam insulation. The Styrofoam brand polystyrene foam, which is used for craft applications, can be identified by its roughness and the "crunch" it makes when cut. Additionally, it is moderately soluble in many organic solvents, ...

When was Styrofoam invented?

Since its discovery in 1941 , Styrofoam™ Brand XPS Insulation has a long and rich heritage as a sustainable building product, insulating to meeting core thermal, moisture, air and vapor performance requirements through its rigid foam board technology.

What is high load styrofoam?

Styrofoam™ Brand Highload™ Extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation is a closed-cell foam insulation designed for use in runways and other heavy-weight infrastructure.

What is a square edge styrofoam?

Styrofoam™ Brand Square Edge Insulation* is an extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) insulation board that meets the needs of the commercial foundation and building floor slab market and can also be used for attics, foundations/slabs and crawl spaces in residential applications. With more than 60 years of proven performance in wet environments, the closed-cell structure of Styrofoam™ Brand Square Edge Extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation resists water pickup, enabling it to retain a high R-value** over time – a necessary property in wet, below-grade commercial foundation applications.

What is a styrofoam scoreboard?

Styrofoam™ Brand Scoreboard Extruded Polystyrene Foam Insulation* is an extruded polystyrene foam insulation board that is scored longitudinally on 16” and 24” centers, making it easy to size to commonly used widths, cut and install. It has excellent insulating characteristics, high resistance to water and water vapor, exceptional compressive strength and long-term durability. * Styrofoam™ Brand Scoreboard Insulation is a former product of The Dow Chemical Company

What is XPS foam insulation?

Styrofoam™ Brand Perimate™ Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Foam Insulation features patented dovetail grooves on one face and shiplap edges on the long edges. When installed on the exterior of basement walls, it provides insulation, protects the waterproofing membrane and assists water drainage away from the foundation.

Is styrofoam good for residential?

Styrofoam™ Brand Residential Sheathing adds up to an investment that will pay for itself in just a few years, and continue to provide value for years to come. Using Styrofoam™ Brand Residential Sheathing could lead to fewer callbacks resulting in an enhanced reputation for builders. Extruded polystyrene foam insulation like Styrofoam™ Brand Residential Sheathing is inherently resistant to moisture, which can wreak havoc on other building materials. Moisture can compromise the performance of cavity insulation and damage drywall, wood framing and OSB or plywood sheathing. Styrofoam™ Brand Residential Sheathing provides a one-two punch against moisture.

What Happens When You Burn Styrofoam?

When Styrofoam burns it does so with sooty and slightly oily smoke. This is probably indicative of the fact that it’s not fully combustible and you’re getting a bunch of different (and not fully understood) byproducts from the flames.

Who owns styrofoam?

It is used to refer to a particular form of extruded polystyrene foam (XPS), which is known as “Blue Board” and it’s owned by the Dow Chemical Company.

What temperature does styrofoam melt?

Styrofoam is flammable at higher temperatures and can catch fire. It will melt at 212 degrees Fahrenheit, ignite with a spark at 680 degrees Fahrenheit and auto-ignite at 800 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is turpentine made of?

Turpentine is a natural product made from the resin of trees. The trees must be living and are usually, though not always, pine trees. There are many slightly different names for this product including wood turpentine, oil of turpentine, terebinthine, and terebenthene.

How hot does styrofoam need to be to be an insulator?

Styrofoam won’t auto-ignite until it reaches temperatures of around 800 degrees and that means it can be used as an effective insulator as long as it never comes into contact with a flame.

Why do they put hot coffee in a styrofoam box?

That’s why they put hot coffee and hot food in it- it stays warm and insulated inside, but won’t burn your fingers on the outside (in theory, at least – always be cautious when picking up a hot coffee or meal, even in Styrofoam packaging).

Does styrofoam burn?

Styrofoam can both burn and melt, however, it’s worth noting that it is much more likely to melt than to burn.

What is the name of the foam used in building envelopes?

When building or renovating a high-performance building envelope there are really three main kinds of rigid foam panels you are going to have to choose from - Polyisocyanurate known as Polyiso (PIR), Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) - often called Styrofoam - and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).

What is the moisture permeability of EPS foam insulation?

Two inches of EPS foam board has a moisture permeability rate of between 60 and 75 ng (1 to1.25 perms), which is on the cusp of qualifying it as a type II vapour retarder, but on the more 'breathable' side of the scale which we would probably consider a good thing in most applications.

What is polyiso board?

Polyiso insulation boards are the most widely used low slope, above-deck commercial roofing insulation. As a versatile choice for commercial roofing applications, polyiso is designed to be part of any modified bitumen, built-up, or single-ply roofing system.

What is PIR insulation?

PIR, polyiso, or ISO, is a thermoset plastic product typically produced as a foam and used as rigid thermal insulation panel - most often with aluminum foil facing. Thermal performance is rated at R6-6.5 per inch, but don't count on that if your winters are cold for the reasons we're about to explain.

Does EPS foam dry out?

But there is nothing wrong with putting a little effort into keeping it dry if you can. The GWP of expanded polystyrene blowing agents is about 7 times worse than carbon, but that's a lot less than being 1430 times worse like standard XPS is. There is also the potential for a miniscule amount of off-gasing of some chemicals including potentially troublesome brominated fire-retardants from EPS foam products used in construction, but speculation as to whether or not this poses a significant risk to health doesn't seem to be based on any hard facts or testing. We'd be really interested to find any verifiable sources for EPS chemical off-gassing testing - if you find any please post them to the comments section below - as we are starting to think that EPS foam may arguably be the most Eco-Friendly insulation and this may sway our thinking against it.

Does XPS foam absorb moisture?

Above grade XPS foam acts as a vapour retarder (and becomes even less moisture permeable the thicker it is - 1 inch is about 1 perm, 2 inches about .5 perms); when taped it can act as an air barrier; the manufacturers and standardized testing state that it does not absorb moisture, nor is it affected adversely by it.

Is polyiso foam insulation good for winter?

Polyiso Foam Panel Insulation Conclusion: In real terms, using polyiso foam insulation panels is probably a poor choice if your winter temperatures dip below 50°F or 10°C. To put that statement into perspective, a wall or roof assembly in Chicago was tested for the whole of December then averaged out. The first assembly using 2" Polyisocyanurate foam panels was compared to the same assembly using 2" of EPS foam and was found to be losing 30% more heat in this study (see below)!

Overview

Styrofoam is a trademarked brand of closed-cell extruded polystyrene foam (XPS), commonly called "Blue Board", manufactured as foam continuous building insulation board used in walls, roofs, and foundations as thermal insulation and water barrier. This material is light blue in color and is owned and manufactured by DuPont. DuPont also has produced a line of green and white foam shapes for use in crafts and floral arrangements.

History

Uses

Environmental effects

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